How to insulate plastic window frames. Effective ways to insulate windows for the winter with your own hands. Insulation of glass surface

In this article we will figure out how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands to enjoy a pleasant temperature in the house during frosts.

What determines the need for insulation?

By installing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) windows, which are modern high-tech structures, many consumers are confident that such products are guaranteed to protect their homes from the cold. Theoretically, this is how it should be. Properly installed plastic windows perform their task for a long time - they retain heat. But even the best PVC profiles lose their performance characteristics over time and the level of thermal insulation of the room decreases. If plastic window structures were initially installed in violation of technology, problems with them will begin quite quickly.

Winter insulation of plastic windows from any manufacturer is usually required due to:

• natural wear of the seal;
• linings extending from the glass unit;
• violations of the geometry of windows caused by shrinkage by the wall of a residential building;
• loose adjusting locking elements of PVC construction;
• wear and tear of the materials from which the products were made;
• improperly installed window sill or slopes.

Problems with polyvinyl chloride structures are solved in two ways. You can call specialists from a company that deals with additional insulation, sale, and window repair. And they will complete everything in a short time at a professional level. necessary work. Comfortable? Without a doubt. But the problem is that the cost of the services of such specialists is often similar to the cost of purchasing a new PVC profile. Not every person will agree to pay that kind of money. In this case, it makes sense to figure out how and with what to insulate plastic windows. And try to complete all the activities yourself.

What kind of work can you really do yourself?

At home, it is impossible to eliminate serious defects in plastic windows. With your own hands you can insulate only the following elements of a PVC product:

• internal slopes;
• window frame contour;
• ebb and window sill outside the room.

At the same time, you should not forget about safety precautions. For example, it is undesirable to carry out external work in cases where windows are installed in apartments above the second floor of the building. Important nuance. Insulation should be done exclusively in warm weather. Choose a dry, windless summer or spring day, understand the technology for performing the work in advance, and stock up the necessary materials and tools. And only after that begin to restore the operational properties of the windows.

At the first stage, you need to clearly determine which areas of the window structure require insulation. Bring the lit lighter to window profile and start moving it around the perimeter of the PVC product. In places where the flame begins to fluctuate, insulation needs to be done. The most vulnerable areas are the joints of the frame and wall surfaces, slopes and ebbs. If there are significant leaks, you won't even need to use a lighter. The wind blowing will be felt with an open palm.

You should also analyze the condition of the window fittings. It often causes the seal of a plastic structure to break. If you see any defect or malfunction on the fittings, simply install a new part. You may not need to take any further steps after this.

Be sure to examine the condition of the profile clamping mechanism. It is this that ensures the tightness of the window. Pay attention to the rubber seal. During operation, the gasket installed on the PVC structure loses its density (the phenomenon is due to climatic conditions and mechanical stress). This leads to a significant reduction in the volume and thickness of the elastic. If the gasket has cracks, gouges, or wrinkles, it should be replaced immediately. In the next section we will describe in detail how to restore the tightness of a window profile.

We reanimate thermal insulation - the procedure for different situations

Let's start by replacing the worn out rubber seal. If this is the reason (the gasket has become thinner and lost its original elasticity), proceed according to the following scheme:

1. 1. Dismantle the glazing bead along the area of ​​the structure with the detected flaw.
2. 2. Remove the linings and carefully remove the glass unit.
3. 3. Pull out the old seal and install a new one. The length of the latter should be 40–50 mm longer than the initial piece. You will cut off the extra centimeters after installing the new elastic band. Its installation should be done without tension or excessive force.
4. 4. Install previously dismantled parts (glazing beads, linings, package) in reverse order.

Before installing a new gasket, remove dust from the window grooves, wash them thoroughly and dry them. Then installing the seal will not cause any difficulties. He will stand up like a glove.

In cases where the seal looks intact, proceed to adjust the clamping mechanism. To perform this operation, you need to stock up on a special window key. First, inspect the glass unit. Lightly press it and release it. If it does not wobble too much, strengthen the clamp with silicone sealant. Such a composition should not include acids, which can negatively affect the rubber seal. If the double-glazed window is noticeably wobbly, you will need to adjust the special. with a trunnion key - metal cylinders fixed in slots. Loosen any existing bolts. And then tighten the hooks that hold the cylinders.

In some cases, it is necessary to adjust the adjusting locks on the windows. Two screws should be found in the area where the plumb lines are located for the PVC structure. One of them is responsible for the level of pressure on the sash, the second holds it in a given position. Take a screwdriver, loosen (completely) the fixing screw, and then gradually tighten the clamping element (clockwise). After tightening, close the window, arm yourself with a lighter, and check the structure for drafts. If the flame fluctuates, slightly tighten the adjustment screw again. Carry out the specified sequence of operations until you are sure that there is no draft.

Insulation for PVC windows – which one to choose and how to use?

Additional thermal insulation of plastic window structures can be performed different materials.As a rule, for these purposes they use:

• Mineral or stone wool. A little outdated, but quite effective heat-protective materials for plastic windows (especially their window sills).
• Construction foam. This insulation should be used with caution. It cracks and then collapses under the influence elevated temperature and the rays of the sun.
• Silicone sealant. Easy-to-use material with high energy-saving properties.
• A primer with water-repellent characteristics (for example,). An additional layer of paint must be applied to it.
• Styrofoam. Used for filling gaps in slopes.
• Heat-saving film. A modern method of insulating plastic structures, which is very popular among home craftsmen.

Let's see how to use energy-saving film. This insulation option guarantees high-quality results with little effort. You will need a hairdryer, tape (required double-sided), sharp scissors, or better yet, a stationery knife. Insulate the window using a simple algorithm. First, remove dirt and dust from the metal-plastic structure using a damp rag, and degrease the cleaned areas. After that you paste it over double-sided tape window box.

Cut the energy-saving film to the required size using stationery knife. Attach the resulting strips to tape. All that remains is to spray the glued insulation with hot air from a hairdryer and, if necessary, remove air bubbles from under the film (carefully pierce them with a knife). Described technique for owners plastic products is the most profitable in terms of financial expenses.

Internal and external slopes of windows are insulated, as noted, with foam plastic, as well as three-layer special panels, pieces of extruded polystyrene foam, fiberglass materials. Small cracks (up to 4 cm wide) can be sealed with polyurethane foam. Internal slopes are insulated with foam plastic as follows: treat the problem area with a primer, plaster the surface, install a foam plastic sheet using assembly adhesive, wait for the insulation to set, then apply a layer of putty on top. Some home craftsmen additionally cover the thermal insulation layer with plasterboard sheets.

Outside, the slopes are insulated a little differently. Treat them with a primer. IN in this case it is necessary to use formulations with antibacterial additives. Then you plaster the surface (if it is smooth, you can do without this step). Cut a slab from a piece of polystyrene. It should cover the entire slope. Mount the slab using metal corner and dowels (in addition, you can use mounting adhesive). Install a fiberglass mesh over the resulting structure. It is usually placed on an adhesive composition. After the slope has dried, you need to paint it with water-based paint.

Preparing a window sill for winter is a simple matter!

Separately, I would like to say a few words about how to insulate the window sill of a plastic window. If this element of the PVC structure is installed poorly, there is a high probability of the formation of a wide and deep crack.

Also, illiterate installation causes the appearance of relatively small gaps between the contacting parts of the window sill, under which it is often placed. In both the first and second cases, cold air will begin to penetrate into the home. This cannot be allowed. Do the following:

• carefully open the special plugs on the windowsill;
• use a screwdriver to unscrew the fasteners;
• remove the window sill.

All problem areas that were not previously visible under the dismantled structure will open before you. Seal small gaps silicone sealant or polyurethane foam. Large holes should be filled with stone or mineral wool, covered with a plastic sheet on top and secured with the latter. After this, put the window sill in place. Now your home will be much warmer.

If the cold enters the house through a plastic window, do not rush to call the specialists. As you can see, many jobs can be easily done with your own hands, achieving good results. Try to bring comfort and warmth back to your home yourself!

No matter how good plastic windows are, over time they can begin to let cold air into the room. In this case, you can’t do without insulation!

But before you begin to repair window structures, you need to find the cause of the malfunction and determine how to eliminate it.

It blows, but from where?

In the design of any plastic window there are the most vulnerable places for through air flow:

• Places where slopes, ebbs and window sills meet
• Seal location
• Contact point between glass unit and window frame
• Window fittings

This is where leaks and cracks most often occur.

The easiest way to determine exactly where it is blowing is to hold your palm to the window.

A more accurate result can be obtained using a candle flame or lighter. If there is air flow, it will be directed indoors.

You can check the tightness of window sashes using a simple sheet of paper. To do this, you need to put a sheet of paper between the doors. open window, and then close them and pull the edge of the sheet.

If the window sashes are in good working order, it will not be possible to remove the sheet intact: it will tear. If, on the contrary, there are leaks, the sheet can be easily removed.

It blows, but why?

There may be several reasons why a plastic window may malfunction. The most common:

• Installation errors A. As a rule, malfunctions associated with installation errors manifest themselves almost immediately, and they can be eliminated by taking advantage of the warranty. The installer is obliged to redo the poor-quality work.
• Deformation of the window block due to shrinkage of the building. This defect is not common, but it cannot be completely excluded. The shrinkage of a properly constructed building can slightly deform the window unit, making it easy to fix the problem. If, due to shrinkage, there is a strong deformation of the window, changing its geometry, then it’s time to think about the strength of the building itself and start asking questions about its quality to the builders and the management company.
• Installation poor quality windows . This reason for window malfunction is the most common and is caused by an understandable attempt to save money. In addition, the new windows look almost the same and an inexperienced consumer in construction can do right choice, paying more is sometimes very difficult. So window structures appear without a reinforcing profile, with poor-quality seals and dangling fittings, which can barely withstand one winter. It is cheaper to replace such windows with high-quality double-glazed windows than to try to repair and insulate them.
• Incorrect use of the window, leading to premature wear of sealing materials. According to the rules, windows can only be washed using special non-aggressive products. detergents, be sure to wipe dry and lubricate the sealing materials with glycerin. Alas, not everyone does this and not always.
• Physical wear and tear of the window structure and its individual components. Time is not kind to window structures, and even the best quality windows begin to let in the cold over time.

Malfunctions have been found, the causes have been established: what to do?

There can be two further actions: call a specialist or do everything yourself. It is advisable to seek professional help in the following cases:

• Warranty window
• For self-repair there are no skills, tools or desire
• The window must be insulated from the outside, and it is located at a considerable distance from ground level. In this case, you simply cannot do without professional equipment for working at height without risking your life.
• Work is being carried out in winter time which requires a professional approach

If you nevertheless decide to insulate plastic windows yourself, determine which element of the window structure needs improvement, and get to work, having first read our recommendations.

Adjusting the plastic window

Most common cause The malfunction of a plastic window is the misalignment of its sashes due to operation. This is not a breakdown: the windows just need maintenance, which you can do yourself.

The window design has two elements that ensure a tight fit of the sash to the window frame. They are called barrels and clamps. When closing the window, these two elements should overlap each other, ensuring a tight fit.

It’s easy to check whether the barrels and clamps in your window match: close it and try to loosen the window sash with your hands. If it is motionless, there is no need for adjustment. If there is movement in the window frame, take a hex screwdriver and loosen the adjusting screws a little. By changing the position of the screws, it is necessary to achieve a tight closure of the window.

Replacing the seal

Replacing a seal is a type of work that you can do yourself, even without special skills. It's simple: the old seal is removed from the groove, and a new seal cord is installed in its place. True, there is no need to rush to replace the seal: its service life is at least 15 years. Perhaps the reason is not this, but the need to insulate the window opening.

Insulating the window opening

It can blow from the cracks between the wall of the house and window block. When installing a window, there is always free space between its structure and the base base of the window opening, which is filled during installation construction foam. If the outside of the window slopes are not sealed or are sealed poorly, over time, cracks may form in the seal, into which the cold will rush.

The window opening can be insulated from the inside and outside. Interior work can be done at any time of the year. For this

• remove internal slopes,
• remove the seal that has become unusable
• a layer of primer is applied to the cleaned surface
• the prepared space is filled with polyurethane foam
• After complete drying, excess foam is removed,
• perform decorative finishing slopes using PVC panels or plasterboard

The bulk of the work on insulating the window opening must be done outside the house. The most effective is plastering slopes.

For this:

• Filming old finishing(it was loose and it blew through it)
• Clean the space between the window block and the wall from old polyurethane foam and other sealants.
• Fill the vacated opening with polyurethane foam and wait for it to harden.
• Clean off excess foam.
• Close up adhesive composition all the cracks and irregularities
• Install mounting angles
• Install a polymer mesh
• Apply plaster mortar on top of a polymer mesh
• Execute finishing wall surface

It is best to insulate the window sill during its installation. If the part is already standing, but it is blowing from under it, you need to clean the space between the wall and the window sill, fill it with foam and finish the wall surface.

Additional insulation

For additional insulation For windows, you can use the so-called energy-saving film, the task of which is to reflect the flow of heat flowing out through the window opening into the room. The film is glued to the surface of the glass with a reflective layer inside the room. True, you shouldn’t count on a big effect from its use: it’s better to just do it high-quality insulation opening and slopes, adjust the window sashes, achieving a tight fit and install a high-quality seal. And then for sure, your home will be warm and cozy!

Window structures made from polyvinyl chloride are self-sufficient products that do not require additional thermal insulation.

If you are increasingly thinking about insulating PVC windows because in winter they still let the cold in, then there is definitely something wrong with one of the structural elements. Let's look at this issue in more detail.

What does a PVC window consist of?

Any plastic window structure includes the following components:

• profile;
• rubber seals;
• glass unit;
• adjustment fittings;
• there is a window sill at the bottom and slopes on the sides.

If a breakdown occurs in one of the listed components- there will be a blowing.

What does thermal insulation come down to?

Insulation of plastic windows consists of slopes. In the context of other elements, this is only about troubleshooting. Due to the profile, for example, drafts never occur. Modern high-tech plastic is not wood. The material cannot dry out or move.

Double-glazed windows lose heat if depressurization occurs in certain areas of the product. If you don’t want the windows to let the cold in, insulate the slopes or look for the cause of the breakdown. Let's start looking at the insulation of window structures with slopes.

Protecting slopes from the cold

For plastic windows, it is advisable to make slopes from plastic. It is best to line them with hard plastic. Why? The material is excellent for additional thermal insulation.

In this case, the opening that appears between the wall surface and window frame, filled with special foam. Other options are foam insulators or slabs made from basalt fiber. Choose a material that suits your current tasks.

External and interior wall also needs to be insulated. Only this time the materials no longer provide insulation, but protective properties. The insulator directly protects from the negative effects of various external factors.

Elimination of sash misalignment

Window and wall structures sometimes shrink. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about this. New buildings especially suffer from this “illness”. Shrinkage, in turn, leads to a slight distortion of the valves, which negatively affects the thermal insulation of the structure. The solution to the problem is debugging the hardware.

Tool

Adjustment of the pressure of the sashes with your own hands is done using special eccentrics. When turning the hand, they go behind the “calling pads”. These elements are installed along the frame perimeter. To ensure tight pressing, the eccentric is rotated clockwise.

Each element described has a risk. When she “looks” towards the street, this indicates a weakening of the pressure. If the pointer is facing the rubber seal, the sash is pressed well against the frame structure.

Loops

Plastic window hinges also have own mechanism, responsible for the pressure. The device is adjusted using a hexagon. The rule is simple: a strongly retracted tongue means a tight fit of the sash. To extend it, you need to turn the hexagon counterclockwise. When the loops are located with right side, the turn is made in the other direction. This time clockwise.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated - the misalignment of the valves is eliminated easily and simply.

If the described actions do not help, and the cold does not go away, it means that more serious problems have arisen. In this case, you will have to contact the experts.

Preparing the window for winter:

Replacing the rubber seal

What is a rubber seal? Its main task is to ensure a tight fit of the sashes to the frame. For greater reliability, it is made of rubber and does not allow cold to pass through when closed.

If you care for it properly and treat it regularly special compounds The seal will last quite a long time. However, few owners of PVC windows take care of the element, which is almost always hidden by the sashes. Many people don’t even know that it needs to be lubricated with special mixtures.

So it turns out that in about five years the rubber seal loses its density. And when a product becomes unusable, it must be replaced.

To perform the replacement, the glass unit is removed from the sash. We remove the glazing bead and take out the required element. Rubber compressor changing is simple: the old one is removed, the new one is inserted through the groove. If desired, secure the product with adhesive. Don’t be confused by the color difference - insulation is made from black and gray rubber, but there are no differences.

Attention! Be extremely careful when removing and inserting the bead. The element is easy to break as it is very fragile. If the glazing bead becomes unusable, it will not be possible to install the double-glazed window back.

Alternative insulation methods

In addition to all the methods listed above, some tricks can help prevent the cold from getting in. Let's look at a few of them.

Wool blinds

It's slightly unconventional, however effective method insulating windows with your own hands. Regular blinds are simply wrapped in strips wool fabric, thanks to which they become reliable protectors from the cold penetrating through the windows in winter.

Heat-saving film

Insulation of plastic windows can also be done with heat-saving film - quite inexpensive and at the same time effective option. But you need to glue the film so that there is no air left under it, that is, “bubbles”; not only will this depend on appearance windows, but also the quality of thermal insulation.

This is the most modern way insulation of the room. With such a system, it is placed on the windowsill oil heater, and an electric heating coil is installed in the glass itself.

But if you decide to use just this heating method, then it is better to complete the installation while the double-glazed windows themselves are still being installed, but you can do this later by purchasing the system in a specialized store.

Curtains

It may sound strange, but curtains can protect you from the cold. They serve as an effective barrier to air and keep out the cold in winter if it does penetrate through the windows. In addition, when passing through the curtains, the air, although not significantly, warms up.

Window sill insulation

Cold air can also penetrate through the joints between the adjacent parts of the window sill. They need to be sealed well. Also, if the work is done poorly, “black holes” may remain under the window sill itself, so it must be dismantled and the joint between the slab and the window block must be further processed.

To do this, we open the small plugs on the window sill, unscrew it with a screwdriver, and all possible cracks open to us from where cold air can come.

Results

Remember one simple thing– if a plastic window loses heat, there is a problem with one of the elements of the system. Eliminate the problems, the structure will regain its lost properties.

The only thing that requires full insulation is the slopes and, possibly, the window sill. No other thermal insulation work is required. PVC windows are already protected from the cold to the highest level, as they were originally designed to create a comfortable atmosphere in any room.

It is no secret that a huge amount of heat escapes from rooms through windows - this is especially noticeable in winter period. Consequently, it is these structures that need protection, and the sooner it is done, the better. Fortunately, such work can be easily done on your own, and if you don’t have time for it, just hire specialists. Even our distant ancestors knew how to properly seal cracks in window designs- their houses were warm even in the severe frost, but little wood was needed for heating. However, insulating plastic windows for the winter is somewhat different from traditional solutions, which were popular decades ago, the technologies in our time are different, approaches to solving problems are also chosen by modern ones.

We insulate plastic windows

First of all, you should know that when performing insulation, you may need to do it yourself. Such a task can be completed without problems, especially if you take into account the recommendations and tips on the topic. However, first things first. Despite the fact that manufacturers always assure the reliability of their products, even quality window Insulation may be required.

Most cheap way to protect yourself from the cold - cover the opening with some dense material that can retain heat. Previously, for example, blankets were used for this, but today such a solution can only be applied to wooden windows. Modern remedy for double-glazed windows - special colorless polyethylene film, which is fixed to your structure. This method guarantees effective insulation making plastic windows with your own hands, you don’t need to dismantle anything when working, which is very convenient.

Blinds and insulation

Some people choose blinds to minimize heat loss through double-glazed windows. are not affected. Important point- if you insulate plastic windows for the winter using this method, you should definitely stick strips of woolen fabric on the blinds, this is the only way to achieve the desired effect.

Electric glass heating

If cheap options are not satisfied, it’s time to pay attention to an expensive means of insulation - installing a system that will provide electric heating to the windows. Today, you can buy many different heaters specifically for double-glazed windows - they are installed on window sills. There are also special incandescent coils (they are glued directly to the glass). The right way don’t worry about the cold - put it in the apartment metal-plastic window, the design of which consists of at least three glasses. One of them will definitely be energy saving. It is beneficial to use such glass - the heat-saving characteristics of the entire system are significantly increased. If you do repairs and insulation of plastic windows this way, your double-glazed window should have thermal break elements, which should also have metal inserts. The space between the glasses is usually filled with krypton or argon. In general, this is a very expensive solution, but you can forget about drafts and frosts for a long time (of course, if there are no more vulnerable spots in the house).

Why do you need to insulate slopes?

When old wooden windows are replaced with modern plastic, they usually expect that there will be excellent protection from various negative factors: dust, noise, cold. Indeed, the PVC profile pays off at first, but then it still begins to let in moisture and cold. This happens due to wall subsidence, as well as depressurization of seams. Of course, this situation will not make your home comfortable, and you will have to insulate the slopes of plastic windows. What is typical is that these works are performed both inside and outside the premises. For everything to go well, you need to install additional thermal insulation and protective layers. For this you need some materials:

• extruded polystyrene foam;
• Styrofoam;
• mineral wool;
• isover (fiberglass);
• sandwich panels.

These materials are usually sold in the form of slabs. One more question - which one is better to choose if you do the insulation of plastic windows yourself? It all depends on the size of the gaps. For example, if they are at least 0.4 cm, fiberglass is also perfect, the thickness of which is usually in the range of 20-30 mm. When the gap is narrow, choose polyurethane foam or mineral wool.

Plastic windows are not the most difficult task, if you have at least minimal construction skills, there will be no problems.

In what cases is it necessary to insulate slopes?

If the walls in your room are multi-layered and carefully laid with various insulating materials that reach window box, insulating plastic windows for the winter is not a mandatory procedure (if there are no precedents). This wall structure is reliable protection from freezing. But if they are single-layer or the house is made of panels with stiffening ribs, you will still have to make thermal insulation - there’s nowhere without it. Special thermal liners are placed along the slopes.

How slopes are insulated

The material chosen for thermal insulation is fixed to the surface window opening. The seam that is created during installation must be closed, and the window frame must be partially covered. Drywall is installed on top of the material, its surface is first puttied, then painted - to achieve maximum effect. If you use extruded polystyrene foam, it is not necessary to use gypsum board.

Sheets of insulation are glued along the top of the slopes; moreover, they should be secured on top plaster mesh. On her thin layer a cement-sand mixture is applied, then the finishing putty to consolidate the result.

Foam insulation

Another technology that deserves attention if you are insulating plastic windows for the winter is the use of foam plastic. When the frame has already been installed, the opening is plastered using a cement-sand mixture. It is important that the surface is well dried - after that a layer of foam plastic is glued onto it, the thickness of which does not exceed 5 mm. Afterwards everything is puttied and painted. This technique provides excellent protection from cold air - now it will be much more difficult for it to get into living rooms from the street. The window opening is often insulated using expanded polystyrene using the same method, and plaster is applied to it - a very decent result is obtained.

Swedish technology

Recently, many people choose for home Swedish insulation windows The name of this method arose due to the material used in the work. The tubular seal is made of silicone rubber - it is made in Sweden. As the manufacturers say, this material very durable - up to twenty years, while it does not lose performance characteristics even over a wide temperature range. It is not afraid of the effects of paints and dirt.

Performing Swedish window insulation yourself is not the best simple task. You cannot do without professional skills; you should also have a special tool at hand. It is difficult to make a cut around the perimeter with a milling cutter, especially if the result is to get a groove for rolling up the seal - so that over time the material does not peel off or fall out. It is best when specialists insulate plastic windows in your home using this method. The price may vary - it all depends on the region, but the result of the work is worth the money. In addition, the price includes various services: sashes, adjusting the groove for the seal, placing tubular silicone in it, and, if necessary, adjusting the plastic window. Not everyone can do all this with their own hands, only an experienced builder.

When to make adjustments

The insulation of plastic windows for the winter has been completed, now is the time to think about adjustments. When it is necessary?

• If casement sags (due to this plastic frame touches the sash bottom). You need to adjust the vertical or horizontal plane.
• Due to the displacement, the middle sash part touches the frame. To get rid of this, the problematic part is evenly shifted to one side.
• When air enters through the seal. In this situation, the sash pressure is simply adjusted.
• If the handle is loose. If this problem occurs, turn the plate located at the base, then tighten all the screws.
• The handle turns too tight. Setting up is easy - for this purpose use machine oil. Cotton swabs, as well as any brushes, are perfect for lubricating eccentrics, hinges and clamping mechanisms.

A draft represents the flow of air created in a room, coming from the street through open doors, windows, cracks in them. In summer a draft brings real help, in the autumn-winter season - leads to heat loss, as a result, despite heating, we freeze, and bills charged for heat delivery rise.

A common cause of drafts is leaky, improperly adjusted windows. Due to cracks in window frames, 20-30% of heat is lost. How to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands and prevent drafts? This will be discussed in this article.

Start heating season– the last call when you need to make sure that the window frames are sufficiently sealed, prepared for winter, and cold air does not penetrate into the room. How to do it?

Simple ways check for cracks:

1. run your hand along the edges of the glass, door jambs, the flow of cold air is immediately felt by the palm;
2. bring a lit candle and follow the flame.

You should pay attention to the condition of fittings and hinges. If you feel a cool breeze on your palm, you need to carry out small renovation work.

How to properly insulate old windows for the winter?

After 10-15 years, PVC windows become insufficiently energy efficient. If the frames and profiles are in good condition, they need to be thermostatically controlled. With the cold weather approaching, many are wondering how to insulate plastic Euro-windows with their own hands.

To save on heating costs, it is often recommended to replace old frames. This is not always necessary. There are methods to improve thermal insulation window openings cost effective. What is better to use?

Isolation stages

Upgrading window units usually includes replacing the glazing unit, replacing gaskets, repairing or replacing fixtures, and repairing plaster. You can do some or just one of these steps. The optimal effect is achieved through next works:

How to adjust plastic windows?

Adjusting the Eurowindow, installing it in correct mode effectively eliminates the problem of uncontrolled breakthroughs of air masses inside and helps reduce heating costs.

What you will need:

• screwdriver;
• original keys to adjust the window (can be replaced with a regular hex wrench of a suitable size).

Checking the position of the sash relative to the window frame

The setup begins with checking the position of the sash, stages of work:

1. Outline the window in the corner with a pencil.
2. Open the sash to check the distance between the closed sash and the frame. It should overlap correctly.
3. The sash adjustment screws are located on the upper and lower hinges of the window. Screws allow you to adjust it vertically and horizontally (from right to left). After tightening the screw using a hex key, install the sash so that it overlaps the frame by a few millimeters.

The degree of fit of the sash to the frame

Check the degree of fit of the sash as follows:

1. Insert a piece of paper between the sash and the frame.
2. Close the window.
3. Try to remove the paper - if the paper comes out easily, you need to increase the seal.

To improve the fit, the eccentric screws on the window fittings must be replaced or adjusted. They usually have small “dots” on them - markers that show the direction of the screws. By unscrewing the locking screws relative to the gasket, you can change the degree of fit:

• increase (the point faces the “exit”)
• reduce (the point must be indoors).

The adjustment will allow the sash to fit more tightly to the frame, increasing the tightness of the Eurowindow structure. Once adjusted, closing the window can become a more labor-intensive process. If you don’t want to make the adjustment yourself, you can use the services of professionals.

Checking the condition of the gaskets

The condition of the gaskets affects the breathability of window frames; it is important to take care of them by lubricating them with appropriate products:

• silicone grease,
• technical Vaseline.

The lubricant will preserve the properties of the Eurowindow for a long time. However, if the gaskets are deformed, cracked, or “extend” beyond the frame, they must be replaced with new ones. The gasket is cut into suitable pieces and carefully glued. Can be used:

• self-adhesive gaskets,
• rubber seals.

It is important to replace the gaskets before frost sets in!

Before sealing window frames, you should thoroughly clean the frames with a special product for caring for window frames.

Checking the fittings

Fittings are a key element of the window frame, although at first glance they are not very noticeable. Before winter, it is worth checking the technical condition of the fittings:

1. if they “sit” too loosely, they should be tightened;
2. Lubricant may be required (Vaseline works great).

Gaps between frame and glass, trim and wall

Heat also escapes through such gaps; it is necessary to eliminate all gaps. There are several options to solve the problem.

Thermoresistant paper

A popular option is shrink film for insulation. PVC windows. The film is attached using double-sided adhesive tape directly to window frames. Films form an additional layer on the glass, increasing the thermal insulation coefficient. Self-adhesive thermal insulation films with low-emissivity coatings are popular, give an excellent effect, and do not require additional processing.

Films allow you to create an additional layer of air, increasing the thermal insulation of the glass unit:

Thermal film - inexpensive, efficient material. The film is installed inside and outside. The film mounted inside is more stable and is not exposed to gusts of wind or adverse atmospheric factors.

After tension warm air from a regular hairdryer, the film becomes transparent and does not distort the image. During the heating season, when insulation of double-glazed windows is not required, the film can be removed.

Window insulation - video

When compacting, you must be careful not to overdo it. It is important to provide microventilation, which allows air to enter the premises a small amount of fresh air. Microventilation is important for:

• operation gas system,
• reducing humidity levels,
• Fresh air improves our mood.

“Closing it in a jar” too tightly is a bad idea.

Old windows sometimes cause trouble by letting drafts inside. There are several options for how to seal windows for the winter at home. The choice of insulation option for window openings depends on their condition and budget.